As lawmakers weigh criminal background checks on nearly all sales and transfers of firearms, police groups target current “gun show loophole” letting private sellers sell guns without asking the buyer to submit to a background check.

Mayor Dennis Egan’s new role triggers “consternation in his hometown as it begins considering a position in the sand-mining debate at the State Capitol. Egan says he sees no conflict of interest and won’t step down.”

Legislature to consider funding more free school lunches (MPR News)

Supporters say expanding the free lunch program would ensure low-income students have the nutrition they need to learn in school. But the $4 million annual cost has sparked criticism that it relieves parents of responsibility.

“The state does not want to transfer nearly 100,000 patients from MinnesotaCare to the less-affordable federal health insurance exchanges that are part of President Obama’s landmark health care overhaul.”

After an inquiry prompted by complaints from Republican lawmakers, Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles has concluded that Minnesota does not have a clear standard to assess the actions of two state officials accused of using public funds to oppose constitutional amendments on the ballot last November,

Republicans had accused DFL Secretary of State Mark Ritchie of wrongly using his official capacity and public funds to oppose that ballot question. Similar accusations were later leveled against Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey.

Nobles noted that state law only goes so far on prohibiting certain political activity by public officials and employees. — Tom Scheck